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Posts Tagged ‘Swept in the Darkness author’

Disclosure Day Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, New Movie reviews, Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 15, 2026| 1 Comment »

By LaTaeya Lane

Disclosure Day, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Emily Blunt, follows weather reporter Margaret Fairchild and AI operator Dr. Daniel Kellner, portrayed by Josh O’Connor, as they uncover secrets and plan to expose a 75-year-old UFO cover-up that extends beyond the boundaries of the United States government.

This high-energy, fast-paced sci-fi film opens with the exchange of life-changing contents hidden within a backpack. This moment sets the tone for an adventure filled with questions, revelations, and eye-opening truths.

This film had a little bit of everything. From spectacular Indiana Jones-style action sequences to thrilling X-Files-inspired moments, it kept audiences engaged from beginning to end.

The storyline focused on familiar UFO themes while making strong connections to the Ancient Astronaut Theory.

The main cast held the story together with strong performances. The visual effects were captivating, and the computer-generated imagery was clean, realistic, and authentic in its presentation.

Overall, this was a good film with a strong story, solid acting, and impressive visuals that draw you in. I am not sure whether this is intended to be a standalone film or the beginning of a larger franchise, but I hope it makes a lot of noise at the box office.

If you are a fan of, or a believer in, the Ancient Astronaut Theory, then this movie is for you.

I gave Disclosure Day a strong 4 out of 5 stars.

Check out the trailer below.

L.L.

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Masters of the Universe 2026 “Review”

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 8, 2026| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Masters of the Universe, directed by Travis Knight and starring Nicholas Galitzine, tells the story of Prince Adam and his ascent to becoming the most powerful hero in the universe.

This thrilling new adaptation of He-Man’s origin story opens the door to Adam’s world while giving audiences a full experience of the mystical realm of Eternia, its heroes, and its mutant inhabitants.

Masters of the Universe is an exciting and visually stunning adaptation of the classic 1980s animated series. The story stays true to the legend of He-Man while adding new elements that help strengthen and expand the narrative for modern audiences.

Nicholas Galitzine was the perfect choice to portray Prince Adam. His earthbound, quirky personality made the character relatable and engaging. He did an excellent job bringing both Adam and He-Man to life on screen.

The supporting cast—including Man-At-Arms, Teela, the Sorceress, Ram-Man, Trap Jaw, and Roboto—were all strong casting choices that helped create balance within the story and added depth to Eternia’s world.

Jared Leto’s portrayal of Skeletor was surprisingly impressive. His performance gave the iconic villain a unique swagger and flair that made him both entertaining and memorable.

My one disappointment was Evil-Lyn, portrayed by Allison Brie. The performance never fully embodied the essence of the character for me. I felt the role lacked some of the commanding presence and mystique that have always defined Evil-Lyn.

The creature designs of many beloved characters showcased a deep appreciation for the creativity and imagination that have always been at the heart of He-Man. Combined with the impressive costumes, the visual presentation helped bring Eternia to life in spectacular fashion.

The special effects were outstanding, the battle sequences were epic, and Adam’s transformation into He-Man felt like the magic of childhood brought to life on the big screen.

Overall, Masters of the Universe is an action-packed adventure that pulls out all the stops to bring 1980s nostalgia into the modern era while honoring the legacy of the franchise.

As a lifelong He-Man fan, I give this movie 5 stars. The future of this franchise looks incredibly promising, and there are plenty of exciting surprises still to come.

Check out the trailer below:

L.L

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They Will Kill You (Review)

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 31, 2026| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

They will kill you, a psychological thriller directed by Kirill Sokolov (No Looking Back, 2021) and starring Zazie Beetz (Joker, 2019), Patricia Arquette (Stigmata, 1999), and Tom Felton (Harry Potter Films), follows a woman after she accepts a position as a housekeeper in a historical high-rise building in New York City.

Things spiral into horror as Asia stumbles onto the sinister secrets lurking within the establishment’s walls.

Asia learns that she has been recruited into a dark realm, with eternal consequences for her and her sister.

No longer accepting the role of a victim, Asia gives off (The Bride) (Kill Bill) vibes as she protects herself and tries to defend her sister from the building’s demonic inhabitants.

This film was an exciting good time. A little bit of comedy blended with a lot of action. The fight sequences were impressive. Beetz’s onscreen performance was definitely memorable, while the storyline caught my attention. The supporting cast was a good fit. Patricia Arquette’s role (Lilith) could have been more developed, but the writers have a lot to work with if they decide to make this a franchise.

The special effects and kill scenes gave me a nostalgic, old-school feeling while still blending elements of modern horror-movie magic.

Overall, this was a movie that will make you laugh, jump in fear, and make you believe you can fight like the one and only “John Wick”.

I gave this film 3 stars for fun energy and thought-provoking storytelling.

Check out the trailer below.

L.L.

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Predator Badlands (Review)

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 9, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By LaTaeya Lane

Predator Badlands, directed by Dan Trachtenberg, 10 Cloverfield Lane;  starring Elle Fanning, A Complete Unknown, and Dimitrius Schuster-Kolomatangi. Far North is a SyFy action-adventure that follows a young exiled Yautja as he attempts to hunt down the ultimate trophy in search of status and acceptance within his Clan.

After a tragic altercation with his father and brother, Dek (Schuster-Kolomatangi) finds himself alone on a strange and distant planet, where artificial intelligence is dominant and where hybrid monsters roam.

Dek befriends an android named Thia, portrayed by Fanning, and a mysterious creature that helps him along the way, teaching him a lifelong lesson.

This action-packed film has been what Predator fans have been waiting for. The depiction of the Yautja Characters, their culture, including language, weapons, and traditions, gave fans a deeper understanding of how and why the 1987 Predator ended up in the Amazon Jungle.

The fight scenes flowed with excitement while the world-building and design of the creatures created a space where fantasy remains supreme.

The special effects were good, though some android scenes could be improved.  The two leads performed well, but some humor fell flat and disrupted the film’s balance.  

This movie was a solid 3 stars. Fans will definitely enjoy this film.

Check out the trailer below:

L.L.

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Black Phone 2 (Review)

Posted in New Movie reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 19, 2025| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Black Phone 2, directed by Scott Derrickson (Black Phone, 2021) and Starring Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeline McGraw and Jeremy Davies, follows brother Finn and sister, Gwen, after surviving a terrifying kidnapping.


A mind-bending psychological and supernatural thriller. The film’s edgy energy presented something classic and unique. Now 17, Finn (Thames) is struggling with the emotional scars and impact that (The Grabber), portrayed by (Hawke), has had on his life. Unable to shake off the dark and traumatic experience, Finn has changed, using those experiences as a means to protect himself.
Meanwhile, his sister Gwen (McGraw) is struggling with her special abilities as her dreams become more vivid and her power grows stronger within each dream. After a very disturbing dream, Gwen’s abilities force her and Finn to follow a lead connecting their past to a series of unsolved murders at a Winter Christian camp in the mountains.

The Black Phone becomes the key, while Gwen’s dreams become the door through which The Grabber can penetrate. The evolution of Finn and Gwen’s story is built on solid character development. Both present a vulnerability that connects resilience, pain, love, hope, and faith into a force that is capable of bringing evil to its knees. This film was a great horror that was well written and visually composed of many frightening elements that blended reality and the supernatural, creating a marriage between the two. Thames and McGraw’s chemistry as brother and sister balances well with their personalities. At the same time, Ethan Hawke’s hauntingly dark portrayal of the evil antagonist brings out an emotional rawness that further enhances the development of Finn and Gwen.


The music throughout the film took us back to the 80s, shaping the mood and atmosphere of this cinematic world. The special effects were scary, realistic, and visually stomach-churning at times, and grossly entertaining.


I gave Black Phone 2 (5)stars for an exciting, fun time!
Watch the trailer below.

Check me out having a little fun at the Black Phone 2 experience at New York City’s Comic Con NYCC2025!

The Black Phone 2 experience at New York City’s Comic Con NYCC2025.

Happy Halloween Season!!!

L.L.

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A Working Man (Review)

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 31, 2025| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

A Working Man, directed by David Ayer (End of Watch Producer) and starring Jason Statham, Jason Flemyng, (Prime Target) Michael Pena, (Antman) David Harbour,(Stranger Things) and Arianna Rivas,(The Harvest) tells the story of an Royal Marine Officer, Levon Cade (Statham, The Beekeeper), turned Construction Worker, as he helps to find his boss’s daughter after she becomes the victim of a human trafficking ring.

Cade risks it all as he uses his Military skills to follow clues, which leads him into the trenches of an underground world that few people would dare to touch. It doesn’t take him long to get to the top as he takes down his enemies, carving out a path of destruction to save a girl who is like a family member.

A Working Man is an action-packed thrill ride that will not disappoint. This fast-paced flick will have you on the edge of your seat. The story itself is something we have seen before. However, the energy and fluidity of the characters involved were exciting. The storyline is strong and well-developed, while the main character is a complex yet vulnerable individual with heart and depth. The fight sequences were impressive, and the fashion represented by the group of antagonists was noteworthy.

This movie was a lot of fun and a must-see for action fans.

I gave this film 4 ½ stars

Check out the trailer below:

L.L.

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Captain America: Brave New World (Review)

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 22, 2025| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Captain America: Brave New World, directed by Julius Onah and starring Anthony Mackie (Wilson), Harrison Ford (President Ross), and Danny Ramirez (Torres), is the first major standalone film with Sam Wilson at the helm as Captain America. With Steve Roger’s passing on the Shield, Sam finds himself entangled in a world close to the President as the American government attempts to repair the fractured fragments of a society recovering from the global catastrophe caused by Thanos. Despite the efforts of the Avengers, a new terrorist rises to wreak havoc as Captain America is marked as the primary target.

President Ross proposes reestablishing the Avengers with the hope of making America and the world safer. Sam is unsure how to process this request. However, he teams up with sick kick Torres (played by Ramirez) to neutralize multiple threats, including President Ross.

This Captain America film was a great introduction to Marvel‘s Phase 5. The storytelling was on point and provided a nice continuation of the events in The Hulk and its sequel, The Incredible Hulk. Harrison Ford as President Ross was legendary, and the supporting cast added to the action-packed adventure. The special effects were amazing, and the action scenes, along with the fight sequences, were spectacular. The blending of Captain America and Falcon was done with creative grace, while Anthony Mackie’s portrayal of the hero was thrilling to see on screen. The sheer athleticism that Mackie demonstrates is worthy of this level within the Marvel Universe, and it is clearly evident that the franchise is in no way ready to fizzle out. The fire is still blazing, and Marvel is still hailed as number 1, in my opinion.

This movie is a must-see. Marvel fans will have a blast!

I gave this movie 5 stars.

Check out the trailer below:

L.L.

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Nosferatu 2024 Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 29, 2024| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Nosferatu, directed by Robert Eggers and starring Bill Skarsgard (Count Orlok), Nicholas Hoult (Thomas Hunter), Lilly-Rose Depp (Ellen Hunter), and Willem Dafoe (Albin Eberhart von Franz), is a dark tale that follows a mystical young woman haunted by the dark forces of an evil creature as he attempts to possess her heart and mind.

This version of the 1922 horror remake created a level of cinematic depth that opened the moviegoer to a realm of dark creativity. The world-building was authentic and pulled viewers in like a magnet.  The story, loosely based on Dracula, was well written and presented an interesting connection between Emma and Count Orlok. The film explores deeper supernatural elements within the 1800s that deliver a timeless notion between religious beliefs and the belief in Science. All of which push the boundaries of the characters involved.

Nosferatu was well done; Bill Skarsgard’s portrayal of The Count created a captivating performance. However, I was a bit disappointed over the Character’s esthetic. The creature design fell short for me. I wanted the Character to look more like the original gangly vampire, with the large piercing eyes, oval-shaped head, and pointed elven ears, all elements that make Max Schreck’s original so memorable. Despite this design oversight, Skarsgard did a fantastic job bringing the creature back to life uniquely. Lilly-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hoult did a nice job intertwining their characters. The closeness they shared through their distance was another piece that made the story work so well. The costume designs were fabulous and added personality to the development of the characters.  The Gothic nature of this film created a whimsical horror fantasy that will make fans of the genre appreciate the film’s intention.

I gave this film 4 stars.

Check out the trailer below:

L.L.

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Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Movie Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 8, 2024| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton, Winona Rider, Cathrine O’Hara, William Dafoe, and Jenny Ortega, follows the story of Spiritual Medium and Paranormal Investigator Lydia Deetz as she deals with her father’s death, which opens the door to a past of unfinished business with the haunting ghoul Beetlejuice.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was a lot of fun to experience, and it was especially refreshing to explore the Afterlife further through Tim Burton’s lens. With the theme of death at the forefront of the storytelling process, the theme of family and elements of forgiveness, acceptance, and living are interwoven into the tapestry of a great Horror Comedy that is bound to end in a promising trilogy.

The plot is layered with multiple storylines that make the film entertaining and engaging from the very start. The special effects, costume design, and creature design create a captivating allure that only Tim Burton could deliver. Michael Keaton’s performance as Beetlejuice was comedy gold that brought me back to that 80s kid.

Winona Rider’s complex character gave way to an even deeper persona that presented a softer and more elevated side to her character. The addition of Astrid, portrayed by Jenny Ortega, created a rich family extension. Cathrine O’Hara did a great job reprising her role as the family matriarch while maintaining the spotlight and evolving her part in the story. The supporting cast kept the plot going in a fun way, while all the other components, including the score, added to the film in a meaningful way.  

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the perfect film to kick off the Halloween movie season. It’s great fun for the family and has lots of laughs, thrills, and chills. I gave this film 5 stars.

Check out the trailer below:

L.L.

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The Watchers Review

Posted in New Movie reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 10, 2024| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Warning Mild Spoilers below:

The Watchers, directed by Ishana Shyamalan and starring Dakota Fanning, follows the story of a young artist who travels to a remote location in Ireland to deliver an exotic bird, only to find herself trapped and unable to leave.

Mina, portrayed by Fanning, finds herself among a group of lost travelers as they try to work together to survive the mysterious forests surrounding them. Mina learns that she must follow a specific set of rules while allowing a group of creatures to watch her through a mirrored fortress know as the coop. As the pain of her tragic past surfaces, Mina breaks the rules with another lost traveler, Daniel, portrayed by Oliver Finnegan, in hopes of leaving the dreaded forest. Mina’s plan backfires as she learns that the consequences of her rebellious ways.

Days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months; Mina and the others, Clair, portrayed by Georgina Campbell, and Madeline, portrayed by Olwen Fouѐrѐ, begin to uncover the secrets of the forest and other useful information that helps them understand the history behind the forest, and it’s dark inhabitants.

The Watchers was an interesting film that brought Irish folklore into the modern world. Dakota Fanning’s portrayal of Mina was revealing, complex and relatable. The supporting cast held their own throughout, and the director’s point of view appeared strong while certain visual and story elements echoed classic M, Night Shyamalan.

I thought this was a good movie to see during fall instead of late spring. There were a lot of jump scares, and “things that go bump in the night.” Horror fans will appreciate the mysteriousness and dark energy this film gives. The flow of the film progressed, and the visual elements were magical. The scenes were authentic and transported moviegoers into the realm of fantasy/horror.

I gave this movie 3 and a half stars.

Please check out the trailer below.

L.L.

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